A total of Rs. 1.107 billion has been allocated for 751 development projects in the Colombo District under the government's 'Prajashakthi' programme, with 122,908 people expected to benefit directly.
The projects aim to improve livelihoods and infrastructure across the district, with particular attention to supporting self-employed individuals in agriculture, the apparel industry, food production and ornamental fish farming.
The initiative was highlighted by Minister of Rural Development, Social Security and Community Empowerment Dr. Upali Pannila at the inauguration of livelihood development programmes in the Homagama Divisional Secretariat Division.
Addressing the event, the Minister stressed that all development funding must be channelled through a single, integrated rural development plan prepared by Community Development Councils.
He said decisions on village development priorities should be made by the people themselves rather than being limited to politicians or government officials.
Although Community Development Councils do not have direct financial authority, they have been empowered to conduct social audits to ensure that public funds are used properly without fraud, corruption or waste.
Minister Pannila further emphasised that funding from Provincial Councils, line ministries, decentralised parliamentary allocations, the private sector and non-governmental organisations should also be directed through these integrated development plans.
The 'Prajashakthi' programme covers all 14,007 Grama Niladhari divisions across the country, with Rs. 25 billion allocated in the 2026 national budget.
Island-wide, 15,711 development projects are currently being implemented under the programme. Of these, 7,830 focus on livelihood development, while 7,881 target infrastructure development.
Minister Upali Pannila also noted that public sector employees had received a salary increase of at least 68% over a period of three years, calling on government officials to remain committed to strengthening the national economy.
